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Weather scuttles Cubs' games vs. Giants, D-backs

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By Carrie Muskat
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MLB.com |

MESA, Ariz. -- New Cubs Park can handle up to 15,000 people, but it had a tough time with the rain Saturday.

The Cubs' Cactus League game against the Giants at the new facility was canceled because of rain and unplayable conditions, and the club's night game on the road against the D-backs also was washed out.

The afternoon game was the Cubs' second game at the new spring stadium, and a sellout crowd was expected. On Thursday in the opener, the Cubs drew a Cactus League-record 14,486.

The first pitch was scheduled for 1:05 p.m. MT, and the field was ready at that time, but heavy rains came just before 1 p.m. After the rain left, the grounds crew pulled the tarp and Cubs manager Rick Renteria surveyed the field. The game was then called.

Fans with tickets to Saturday's game can use them for a future Cactus League game at Cubs Park.

Travis Wood, who was scheduled to start, threw a two-inning simulated game at the Cubs' complex instead.

Edwin Jackson, who was scheduled to start Saturday night, will now start Sunday against the Royals in Mesa. He'll be followed by Carlos Villanueva. Jason Hammel, who was to make his first start for the Cubs on Sunday, now will pitch in a "B" game on Monday against the Angels in Tempe. Hammel, who was the Orioles' Opening Day starter, signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Cubs after going 7-8 with a 4.97 ERA in 26 games (23 starts) for the Orioles last season.

Sunday's game can be heard live on Gameday Audio, with Pat Hughes and Ron Coomer having the call for WGN Radio.